Director-General of RTÉ announces resignation

The Chairman of the RTÉ Authority, Patrick J. Wright, has announced that the Authority has accepted the decision of the Director-General, Bob Collins, to step down from his position in October 2003, some months earlier than the end of his contractual term.
Collins had advised the Authority that since the process of appointing his successor would have to begin this year in any event, it should commence now so that the new Director-General will have the opportunity to be involved in the editorial and budgetary planning for 2004 and to minimise the impact which a prolonged period of public speculation might have at this time.
Collins joined RTÉ in 1975 and has held a variety of posts, principally in television, including Director of Television Programmes in 1986 – 1993. He was appointed Director-General in April 1997 for a five-year period, subsequently extended by the Authority to the maximum term of seven years.
In announcing the Director-General’s decision, the Chairman of the Authority said: “It is with regret that the Authority accepted Bob’s decision; it is typical of Bob that this decision was made in the best interests of RTÉ and in ensuring a smooth transition to his successor. The Authority will move to advertise the post in the immediate future."
He said that Collins would continue to carry out all of the duties of Director-General until his successor has been appointed and for a short time during the hand-over period.
He added: "It is not the appropriate time to pay tribute to Bob Collins and his contribution to RTÉ – but I would like to recognise that the Authority, the organisation and all committed to Irish public service broadcasting are in his debt.”
(GB)